Home Office in the media blog: Monday 19 November

Today’s Home Office stories include reports on suspected migrants crossing the English Channel and the tackling of youth violence

Migrants found on rocks after Channel crossing

There is widespread coverage in the papers of nine suspected migrants who were rescued on rocks near Folkestone.

The group are thought to have crossed the English Channel in an inflatable boat.

The Telegraph, Guardian, Mirror and Metro noted that the individuals will now be “processed in line with immigration rules”.

The Mail and Express used lines that outlined the Home Office’s commitment to stepping up Channel patrols.

A Home Office spokesperson said:

We are alert to the risk posed by people attempting to reach the UK illegally via small boats. This year we have increased the number of coastal patrol vessel and, in light of recent events, have stepped up deployments along the South-East coast.

We continue to work closely with law enforcement partners in the UK and overseas to tackle people smuggling at source.

Nobody should put their life at risk attempting to smuggle themselves into the UK across the Channel. Thankfully, this route to the UK remains relatively rare.

Tackling violent crime among youths

The Independent reports that austerity and drug dealing have created a “lost generation” of children living in fear of violence across the UK.

It claims there could be further stabbings unless funding to the police and public services is not urgently increased.

Home Office funded-research has found that councils in many areas do not understand how gangs operate or how social media is fuelling violence, the report claims.

Separately, broadcast this morning reports that four men, in their twenties, have been taken to hospital with stab wounds after a fight in Edmonton, North London.

A Home Office spokesperson said:

We are working to put an end to the serious violence which is blighting communities.

We are on the front foot in engaging with the police and recognise the changing demands they are facing. There is £1billion more of public money going into policing than three years ago and the Home Secretary has been clear that he will prioritise police funding.

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About this blog

Home Office in the media is the Home Office's blog on the latest topical home affairs issues. It features a review of leading media stories, responses to breaking news, rebuttal to inaccurate reports, and ministerial comment.